Illinois residents facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and inflation can access flexible payment options and disconnection protection from major utility companies, including Ameren Illinois. These programs, developed in collaboration with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and consumer advocacy groups, aim to provide relief for low-income customers struggling to pay their energy bills.
The ICC is working with utility companies and advocates to lessen the burden on consumers. Financial assistance is available through programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Applications for LIHEAP are open until May 31st, and PIPP applications are accepted until March 31st. Customers are urged to apply quickly. You can find more information and apply by calling the DCEO LIHEAP hotline at 1-877-411-WARM (9276) or visiting the DCEO website.
To prevent disconnections and ensure access to assistance, the ICC requested utility companies to enhance their billing practices, inform customer service representatives about available financial aid, and implement more flexible payment arrangements.
Ameren Illinois has committed to several initiatives to support its customers:
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Disconnection Protection: Ameren Illinois has agreed not to disconnect customers eligible for the Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program (UDAP) until July 31, 2022.
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Extended Payment Plans: Eligible low-income customers, including those applying for LIHEAP, can access extended deferred payment agreements for up to 18 months with no down payment until July 31, 2022. Customers must inform an Ameren Illinois Customer Service Representative that they are applying for LIHEAP. Other residential customers can access payment plans for up to 12 months with a 10% down payment. These options are available online, by phone, or through customer service representatives.
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Fee Waivers: Ameren Illinois is waiving reconnection fees for LIHEAP/PIPP qualified customers through July 31st and waiving late fees for income-eligible gas customers.
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Phased Disconnections: Disconnections will be staggered, prioritizing customers with the highest arrearages. Throughout April, only residential customers owing 150% or more of the average arrears ($628 or more) will be subject to disconnection. Standard disconnection practices will resume in May 2022.
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Customer Outreach: Ameren Illinois is actively communicating with customers about available financial assistance programs and encouraging them to enroll in payment plans.
Other utility companies, including ComEd, Nicor Gas, and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas, have also implemented similar assistance programs. Details about these programs and other energy assistance resources can be found on the ICC website.
The ICC and consumer advocates continue to work together to ensure Illinois residents have access to essential utility services during challenging economic times. For more information on Ameren Illinois customer service options and assistance programs, visit the ICC website or contact Ameren Illinois directly. The ICC encourages customers struggling to pay their bills to reach out to their utility provider to discuss available options.
